Forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via laser energy

ABSTRACT

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated laser energy signals (i.e., laser beams). Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating laser beams from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by laser energy will receive the radiated laser beams, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. [Goldman28], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devicesvia Radiated Electromagnetic Energy,” Ser. No. [Goldman 29], titled“Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via HeavyVibration,” Ser. No. [Goldman 31], titled “Forced Premature Detonationof Improvised Explosive Devices via Chemical Substances” and Ser. No.[Goldman 33], titled “Forced Premature Detonation of ImprovisedExplosive Devices via Noise Print Simulation,” each filed concurrentlywith the present application and assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to counter-terrorism methods anddevices and, more particularly, to methods and devices for triggeringpremature detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) utilizinglaser energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is an explosive device that iscobbled together (or “improvised”) for example, from commercial ormilitary explosives, homemade explosives, military ordnance and/orordnance components, typically by terrorists, guerrillas or commandoforces for use in unconventional warfare. IEDs may be implemented forthe purpose of causing death or injury to civilian or militarypersonnel, to destroy or incapacitate structural targets or simply toharass or distract an opponent. IEDs may comprise conventionalhigh-explosive charges alone or in combination with toxic chemicals,biological agents or nuclear material. IEDs may be physically placed ator near a pre-determined target or carried by person or vehicle toward apredetermined target or target of opportunity.

As will be appreciated, the design of construction of an IED and themanner and tactics for which a terrorist may employ an IED may varydepending on the available materials and sophistication of the designer.As such, a variety of different triggering mechanisms could be used totrigger detonation of IEDs. It is contemplated that certain IEDs, eitherby design or by nature of the triggering mechanism, may detonateresponsive to exposure to laser energy of a certain type orcharacteristic. It is a concern that this tactic can be used to triggerbombings against civilian and military targets throughout the world.Accordingly, there is a need for precautionary measures to respond tothis threat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for guarding againstlaser-energy-triggered IEDs by forcing premature detonation of the IEDat a safe distance from a prospective target, thereby reducing theeffectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide forradiating laser energy signals (i.e., laser beams) from a stationary ormobile platform (hereinafter “Laser Energy Platform (LEP)) to astationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs withinthe IED detonation zone that are triggered by laser energy will receivethe laser beams, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in thedetonation zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an IED defense system including one or moreLaser Energy Platforms (LEPs) according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a manner of deploying LEPs and reflectors about astationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation zone;

FIG. 3 illustrates a manner of deploying LEPs and reflectors about amobile target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for implementing an IED defense systemusing mobile or stationary LEPs to force premature detonation of IEDswithin an IED detonation zone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 shows by way of example and not limitation, an IED defense system100 for guarding against laser-energy-triggered IEDs. A systemcontroller 102 controls and coordinates operation of one or more LaserEnergy Platforms 104 (LEP₁ . . . LEP_(n)). The LEPs 104 operateresponsive to activation by the system controller to radiate laserenergy signals (i.e., laser beams) 106 within an IED detonation zone108. In one embodiment, the laser beams 106 operate individually orcollectively to create laser energy coverage at multiple angles,sweeping horizontal and vertical paths so as to cause detonation of IEDstriggered by laser energy sources within the IED detonation zone.Optionally, reflectors 110 may be employed to receive and reflect thelaser beams and thereby enhance laser energy coverage within the IEDdetonation zone.

The system controller 102 includes a processor 112 and memory 114 forcontrolling the operation of LEPs within the IED defense system 100. Inone embodiment, the processor executes software routines for managingoperation of the various LEPs, including, for example and notlimitation, activating and de-activating the LEPs and controllingintensity and/or direction of the laser beams 106. The memory storessoftware routines for controlling the LEPs and information relating tothe identity, characteristics and location of the various LEPs in theIED defense system. Alternatively or additionally, the system controllermay 102 operate responsive to manual input from a human operator (notshown). As will be appreciated, the system controller 102 is afunctional element that may reside in a single device or may bedistributed among multiple devices and multiple locations. For exampleand without limitation, the system controller functionality may residein a centralized platform; or controller functionality may reside inindividual LEPs to allow for independent operation of the LEPs.

As shown, the system controller includes a transceiver 116 forcommunicating with the LEPs 104 via wireless resources 118. The LEPs 104similarly include transceivers 116 for communicating with the systemcontroller, or with each other, via wireless resources 118. As will beappreciated, the wireless transceivers may be eliminated, for example,in embodiments where controller functionality resides within the LEP.The wireless resources 118, where applicable, may comprise narrowbandfrequency modulated channels, wideband modulated signals, broadbandmodulated signals, time division modulated slots, carrier frequencies,frequency pairs or generally any medium for communicating information toor from the LEPs. The wireless resources may implement air interfacetechnologies including but not limited to, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, UMTS or IEEE802.11.

The LEPs 104 execute control logic 120 responsive to instructions fromthe system controller 102 (or where applicable, from its own residentcontroller) to activate respective drivers 122 for driving respectivelaser energy transmitters (“lasers”) 124. Responsive to the controllogic and drivers, the lasers 124 radiate laser beams 106 within the IEDdetonation zone 108. As will be appreciated, the nature and type of thelasers 124 may be selected to produce one or more characteristic type(s)of laser energy signals that are believed to trigger detonation of IEDs.For example, it is contemplated that terrorists are most likely to uselasers in the visible orange-to-red spectrum (wavelength 620 nm to 700nm) so that they can most easily see where the beam is illuminating andguide it toward the IED that they wish to trigger. Advantageously, thelasers 124 may be implemented to produce comparable wavelengths. In oneembodiment, the lasers 124 comprise tunable lasers that are capable ofproducing laser energy at a range of frequencies/wavelengths. Forexample and without limitation, a tunable laser covering the entirevisible spectrum (wavelength 400 to 700 nm) may be employed. A tunablelaser may additionally be used to include a range of frequencies aboveand below the visible range with a spectrum ranging from 210 to 3400 nm.Alternatively or additionally, single-frequency lasers may be used. Thedesign and construction of tunable lasers and single-frequency lasersare well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

Generally, it is contemplated virtually any type of laser energy may beemployed and at varying intensity, frequencies or the like to produce adesired IED-triggering characteristic. Further, the physical locationand/or direction of the lasers 124 may be varied to produce laser beamsat multiple angles and directions or to sweep different paths,individually or collectively. Optionally, the lasers 124 maymechanically pivot (pivoting motion denoted by arrows 126) to effectdifferent pointing angles. Further, one or more reflectors 110 may bedeployed to receive and reflect the laser beams and hence, yield laserenergy beams at still further angles and directions so as to achieveeven greater coverage within the IED detonation zone.

As will be described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,the LEPs and/or reflectors may be deployed on mobile or stationaryplatforms, or some combination thereof, to effect a mobile or stationaryIED detonation zone 108. In either case, the IED detonation zone isadvantageously positioned a safe distance from civilian or militarypersonnel or structural targets, such that detonation of IEDs in thezone will not cause significant damage to persons or property.Detonation of IEDs within the zone is referred to as a forced prematuredetonation since it is instigated by the IED defense system 100 and willoccur before intended by the person or agency deploying the IED.

FIG. 2 illustrates a manner of deploying LEPs and reflectors about astationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation zone. Forconvenience, similar reference numerals will be used to describe likeelements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, albeit with “200” series referencenumerals in FIG. 2 rather than “100” series. For example, the IEDdetonation zone, referred to by reference numeral 108 in FIG. 1 will bereferred to by reference numeral 208 in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a stationary IED detonation zone 208 isdefined by deploying one or more LEPs 204 and reflectors 210 atpredetermined fixed positions about a designated geographic area inwhich premature detonation of IEDs is desired. The designated geographicarea may comprise, for example, a remote checkpoint or staging areasituated a safe distance (e.g., 500 ft.) from persons or structures thatmay be targeted by IEDs. When activated, the LEPs 204 and reflectors 210produce laser beams sweeping various angles and directions within theIED detonation zone, substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1,so as to force premature detonation of IEDs within or entering the zone108. The LEPs may be activated responsive to a system controller (notshown in FIG. 2) or a human operator.

As shown, vehicle 230 is traveling on a transportation path 232 (e.g., aroadway) toward a prospective target or target area. Vehicle 230 iscarrying an IED that may be triggered to detonate by laser energysignals. As the vehicle proceeds along path 232, it encounters andenters the stationary IED detonation zone 208. It is noted, althoughvehicle 230 is depicted as a terrestrial vehicle navigating aterrestrial path in FIG. 2, IEDs might also be carried by aircraft orsea craft navigating an airway or seaway, respectively. Further, humanoperators may carry IEDs into the IED detonation zone. The IEDdetonation zone 208 may be arranged and constructed to accommodate anyof these scenarios.

Generally, when a person or vehicle first approaches the IED detonationzone, it is not known to be carrying an IED and even if an IED isdetected, the type of triggering device may not be known. Accordingly,any unidentified person or vehicle entering the IED detonation zone willat least initially be perceived as a threat. Consequently, in oneembodiment, the person or vehicle is stopped upon entering the IEDdetonation zone. Optionally, a gate 234 is utilized to facilitatestopping the person or vehicle. While the person or vehicle is stopped,or generally at any time while the person or vehicle is within thedetonation zone 208, the LEPs 204 may be activated to generate laserbeams sweeping various angles about the person or vehicle. In suchmanner, any IEDs carried by the person or vehicle that are triggered bylaser beams are prematurely detonated within the zone 208. Analternative implementation is that the zone is sufficiently wide thatthe person or vehicle does not need to be impeded by a gate, but will bein the zone for sufficiently long enough time as to allow the laserbeams to cause premature detonation of the IED.

FIG. 3 illustrates a manner of deploying LEPs and reflectors about amobile target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone. Forconvenience, similar reference numerals will be used to describe likeelements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, albeit with “300” series referencenumerals in FIG. 3. For example, the IED detonation zone, referred to byreference numeral 108 in FIG. 1 will be referred to by reference numeral308 in FIG. 3.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, one or more LEPs 304 are deployed onvehicles 330 traversing a transportation path (e.g., roadway) 332. Atvarious points along the transportation path 332, the vehicles 330 mayencounter IEDs that are possibly triggered by laser energy. The LEPs304, when activated, produce a mobile IED detonation zone 308 thatadvances along the transportation path 332 along with the mobileplatform. The LEPs may be activated responsive to a system controller(not shown in FIG. 3) or a human operator. The IED detonation zone 308comprises laser beams sweeping various angles and directions,substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1. As such, any IEDs onthe transportation path that are encountered by the advancing IEDdetonation zone 308 are likely to become prematurely detonated if theyare triggered by laser energy. Advantageously, as shown, the IEDdetonation zone 308 is wide enough to illuminate an area thatencompasses not only the roadway itself, but an area extending beyondthe sides of the roadway so as to trigger roadside IEDs that may beseveral feet from the curb.

In one implementation, the vehicles 330 comprise drone vehiclestraveling in advance of a convoy of troops. It is noted, althoughvehicle 330 is depicted as a terrestrial vehicle in FIG. 3, otherimplementations are possible in which the vehicle 330 comprises anaircraft or sea craft navigating an airway or seaway, respectively.Optionally, reflectors 310 may also be employed to enhance laser energycoverage within the zone 308. The reflectors 310 may reside onterrestrial vehicles, aircraft, sea craft or combination thereofdepending on implementation.

Now turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart for implementing anIED defense system using mobile or stationary LEPs. At step 402, anauthority or agency responsible for implementing an IED defense systemdefines an IED detonation zone. The IED detonation zone may define astationary detonation zone such as described in relation to FIG. 2 or amobile detonation zone traversing a transportation path such asdescribed in relation to FIG. 3. As will be appreciated, multiple IEDdetonation zones may be defined to cover multiple geographic areas ortransportation paths as needed or desired.

At step 404, the responsible authority or agency deploys one or moreLEPs as necessary to obtain desired laser energy coverage within thezone. Optionally, at step 406, the authority or agency may also deployone or more reflectors to enhance laser energy coverage within the zone.For example, in the case where the IED detonation zone defines astationary zone, one or more LEPs and/or reflectors may be deployed atone or more predetermined locations residing within or proximate to thestationary zone as necessary to obtain desired laser energy coveragewithin the zone; or in the case where the IED detonation zone defines amobile zone, one or more LEPs and/or reflectors may be deployed ondrones or other suitable transport vehicles adapted to traverse adesignated transportation path. As has been noted in relation to FIG. 1,the nature and type of the LEPs may be selected to produce one or morecharacteristic type(s) of laser energy signals that are believed totrigger detonation of IEDs.

Sometime after the LEPs are deployed, the LEPs are activated at step 408to radiate laser beams within the zone. Depending on implementation, theLEPs may be operated alone or in combination to produce a characteristictype of laser energy or multiple types of laser energy and at varyingintensities, frequencies or the like to produce a desired effect. Thephysical location and/or direction of the LEPs may be varied to laserbeams at multiple angles and directions or to sweep different paths,individually or collectively.

At step 410, IED(s) within the designated stationary or mobile zonereceive the laser beams, causing the IED(s) to prematurely detonate ifthey include triggering mechanisms that respond to laser energy.

Optionally, at step 412, the responsible authority or agency may chooseto reconfigure one or more LEP(s) and/or reflectors to obtain differentcoverage or define a different IED detonation zone. If reconfigurationis desired, reconfiguration is accomplished at step 414. It iscontemplated that reconfiguration may be accomplished while the LEP(s)remain active or after they are de-activated.

At some point when it is desired to cease laser energy transmissions tocease within the IED detonation zone, the LEPs are de-activated at step416.

In one embodiment, activation or de-activation of the LEPs at steps 408and 416 is implemented by software routines executed within the systemcontroller 102. As has been noted, the system controller functionalitymay reside in a centralized platform; or controller functionality mayreside in individual LEPs to allow for independent operation of theLEPs. Alternatively or additionally, one or more LEPs may be activatedor de-activated responsive to human control. Generally, instructions foractivating and operating the LEPs or de-activating the LEPs may beimplemented on any computer-readable signal-bearing media residingwithin the system controller or residing in individual LEPs. Thecomputer-readable signal-bearing media may comprise, for example andwithout limitation, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs,hard disk drives or electronic memory. The computer-readablesignal-bearing media store software, firmware and/or assembly languagefor performing one or more functions relating to steps 408 and 416.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. For example, the LEPs may be deployed with orwithout a system controller 102; and the LEPs may be implemented aloneor in combination to produce laser energy of various types and/orcharacteristics that may differ from the described embodiments. Thescope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claimsrather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embracedwithin their scope.

1. An IED defense system for forcing premature detonation of IEDs havinga triggering mechanism responsive to laser energy signals in the visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the IED defense systemcomprising: one or more laser energy platforms including lasers forradiating laser beams in the visible portion of the electromagneticspectrum; and one or more controllers for activating the platforms toradiate the laser beams within a zone defining an IED detonation zone,thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggeringmechanism responsive to laser energy in the visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum within the IED detonation zone.
 2. The IEDdefense system of claim 1, further comprising one or more reflectorsadapted to receive and reflect the laser beams radiated within the IEDdetonation zone.
 3. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the platforms define stationary platforms adapted to radiatelaser beams within a geographic zone defining a stationary IEDdetonation zone.
 4. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the platforms define mobile platforms adapted to traverse atransportation path, the mobile platforms adapted to radiate laser beamswhile advancing along the transportation path defining a mobile IEDdetonation zone.
 5. The IED defense system of claim 4, wherein themobile platform comprises a terrestrial vehicle adapted to traverse aterrestrial path, the mobile IED detonation zone defining at least aportion of the terrestrial path.
 6. The IED defense system of claim 4,wherein the mobile platform comprises an aircraft adapted to traverse anairway, the mobile IED detonation zone defining at least a portion ofthe airway.
 7. The IED defense system of claim 4, wherein the mobileplatform comprises a sea craft adapted to traverse a seaway, the mobileIED detonation zone defining at least a portion of the seaway.
 8. TheIED defense system of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllersinclude a system controller for activating a plurality of platforms toradiate laser beams within the IED detonation zone.
 9. The IED defensesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more controllersdefines an independent controllers for independently activating acorresponding at least one platform to radiate laser beams within theIED detonation zone.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A method for implementing an IEDdefense system comprising: deploying one or more stationary platformsabout a designated geographic area defining a stationary IED detonationzone, the stationary platforms including lasers for radiating laserbeams in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum within thestationary IED detonation zone; and activating the platforms to radiatelaser beams in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrumwithin the stationary IED detonation zone, thereby forcing prematuredetonation of IEDs having a triggering mechanism responsive to laserenergy in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum within thestationary IED detonation zone.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: deploying one or more stationary reflectors adapted toreceive and reflect the laser beams radiated within the stationary IEDdetonation zone.
 13. A method for implementing an IED defense systemcomprising: deploying one or more mobile platforms adapted to traverse atransportation path, the mobile platforms including lasers for radiatinglaser beams along at least a portion of the path thereby defining amobile IED detonation zone; and activating the platforms to radiatelaser beams within the mobile IED detonation zone, thereby forcingpremature detonation of IEDs triggered by laser energy within the mobileIED detonation zone.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:deploying one or more mobile reflectors adapted to receive and reflectthe laser beams radiated within the mobile IED detonation zone.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the step of activating the platforms yieldslaser energy in the visible orange-to-red spectrum.
 16. The IED defensesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more laser energyplatforms include lasers for radiating laser energy in the visibleorange-to-red spectrum.